Arsenal boss Wenger compares German youngster to club legend Robert Pires

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has lavished praise on young German prodigy Thomas Eisfeld, who scored in the Gunners midweek League Cup victory over West Brom, reports the club’s official website.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder started his career as a youngster at Borussia Dortmund before joining Arsenal for around £475,000 in 2012. He made one League Cup appearance last season, and scored on Wednesday evening in only second ever appearance for the club.

Eisfeld’s performance impressed Wenger so much, he compared the youngster to Arsenal legend Robert Pires, who was voted Premier league Player of the Year during a wonderful six year stint with the Gunners.

“He is a Pires type,” said the Veteran French boss.

“He appears to be in the box without being noisy and appearing suddenly. When he is there, he finishes well.

“He has that kind of quality that some midfielders have – not many. They have the timing to get in dangerous situations.

“He’s cool enough in front of goal and he finishes well,” Wenger added.

With so many attacking midfielders currently injured, Eisfeld may get a chance in the Premier League soon enough. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Lukas Podolski, Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla are all out injured, meaning 18-year-old wonderkid Serge Gnabry has started the past two league matches. Eisfeld will be keen to continue impressing if gets the call up in the coming weeks.